In this Issue:

Certification...Why? Why do we always see or hear the word “certification” connected with NALS?  Why does NALS keep pushing for it?  Is it necessary?  Some say it isn’t.  Is it advantageous?  ABSOLUTELY!  I know there may be a few members who are tired of hearing about it, but NALS won’t stop praising its value until every member is certified. read more...

Ready for Those Regional Conferences? They have everything you could ask for.  Education, networking, sightseeing trips and more and all at a very reasonable price.  Below is a summary for each of the eight NALS regions along with a link to their registration forms for the upcoming regional meetings.  I hope you will all be able to take advantage of the hard work that has been put in by the Regional Directors and the regional meeting committees to bring you this great line up of activities.  Below are some of the activities that have been planned for each Region! read more...

Just One More Reason to Get Certified In recent weeks, a friend of mine contacted me, wanting information about how to study for the PLS.  It seems a large local firm has been discussing making the ALS a requirement for entry level new hires and making the PLS a requirement for top-tier staff promotions. read more...

The Difference Between Regulation and Certificaiton I am a new member of the Regulation/Certification Committee.  I have written this article to explain briefly the differences between regulation and certification. With respect to legal support professionals, such as legal assistants and paralegals, regulation can take the form of any legislative, court, or bar association oversight limiting how paralegals do their job. Less than a dozen states have already enacted or are trying to enact regulations pertaining to legal support professionals. read more...

Can It Really Be That Simple? How many times have we been asked:  “Why should I join?  What’s in it for me?”   As we continue to face the problems of recruiting, retaining, and motivating members, what if we keep it simple, and focus on five (of the many) benefits... read more...